iPAD APPS: JUST FUN

Train your brain by challenging it intellectually. Theres a growing trend in neuroscience that says giving your brain a workout not only makes it healthy, it may actually allow you to grow brain cells (thats the theory, at least). The Brain Trainer apps touts its ability to improve memory and attention span. Work your most important muscle! Cost: Free.

Seriously cool: turn your iPhone or iPad into a musical instrument. Blow in the mic to create music, touch various holes to play notes, control vibrato and depth of tone. Entertain your friends  or at least amaze them. As David Pogue said, "If everyone had the Ocarina app there would be no more wars. Cost: Free.

Not just a piano iPad, a magic piano iPad app. This app plays well-known pieces as beams of light, or on a spiral keyboard, or a circular keyboard. Lets you decide what your piano is going to look like and set degree of difficulty. Includes songs ranging from Chopsticks to Scott Joplin to Beethoven to Gershwin. Great for the young at heart of all ages. Cost: $0.99.

This iPad app allows you to create ambient moods on your iPad. With over 1,000 sounds, some use it to sleep, or to dream, to reminisce or simply to muse. Hundreds of sounds, from white noise to farms to French cafes. Create a mellow or stimulating mood Cost: $2.99.